Philadelphia health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport after a traveler with a confirmed case passed through the facility earlier this month. The exposure occurred on Sunday, September 13, from 7:45 p.m. until Monday, September 14 at 12:05 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
The infected individual was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport, officials said. The exposure covered Terminals B and F, as well as the connector areas used to reach Terminals C, D, and E. The department urged anyone who was in those areas during that window to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
This is the second measles exposure reported in the Philadelphia area within a week.
Second Exposure at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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The first exposure was reported on September 17 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). That incident occurred on September 11 at four specific locations:
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CHOP NICU West: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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CHOP NICU West Family Lounge: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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CHOP Atrium: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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CHOP Main Cafeteria: 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, along with CHOP, said they are “working closely to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product to prevent or lessen severe disease and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles“.
Official Guidance
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said the exposures are “a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations”.
“Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport,” she said. “Even more importantly, every one of those people is doing their part to help protect our most vulnerable from measles. With outbreaks continuing in Pennsylvania and other places, this is even more important”.
The health department advised that anyone exposed who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact their doctor.
Officials noted that some people may still be eligible for post-exposure treatment that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness. Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and inform the provider about the possible exposure.
Pennsylvania’s First Measles Deaths in 35 Years
The exposures follow a significant development in the state’s outbreak. In August, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths, marking the first losses related to the virus within the state in 35 years. The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that both individuals, from Lancaster County, were unvaccinated.
Why This Matters
Measles is among the most contagious viruses known. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, releasing respiratory droplets. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.
The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, provides 97% lifetime protection, according to health officials. Measles can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized, and the virus can cause long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling.
Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which can appear seven to 21 days after exposure. A rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading to the rest of the body.
What Comes Next
Health officials are monitoring for additional cases linked to both exposure sites. Anyone who was at Philadelphia International Airport during the specified window, or at the CHOP locations on September 11, should verify their vaccination status and watch for symptoms through early October, given the virus’s incubation period.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to urge residents to confirm they are current on MMR vaccination, particularly as outbreaks persist in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
